Taoiseach Enda Kenny launched Ireland’s Hour of Code programme which sees over 500 events planned across the country. A frontrunner in Europe’s drive to promote coding for young people, Ireland’s Hour of Code events are supported by the EXCITED Digital Learning Movement, stretching from Letterkenny Coder Dojo club in Co. Donegal to St. Patrick’s Boys National School in Skibbereen, Co. Cork.

Participants will complete a specially developed 60-minute coding tutorial that introduces basic coding skills, which are now seen as equally relevant for young people today as literacy, numeracy, linguistics and STEM subjects. The Hour of Code programme gives students a vital first introduction to the world of coding, firing the imagination for further creativity and digital exploration.

Helping the Taoiseach launch the initiative were members of the Digital Youth Council of Ireland, fantastic examples of the power of digital ingenuity and creativity, including DYC members Niamh Scanlon, EU Digital Girl of the Year nominee, Edel Browne, NUIG Entrepreneur-in-Residence and Harry McCann, 2016 Global Team Leader for Three Dot Dash.
Having been the first Head of State to participate in the Hour of Code last year, the Taoiseach continued his coding education toda¬¬y, learning how to control and manipulate a Sphero robotic ball. Speaking at the launch he said “Ireland is a global hub for digital innovation, attracting many of the leading companies in the world. It is imperative that we prepare our young people with the skills they will require to continue this digital revolution and coding skills are an essential part of that preparation. I would encourage all interested young people to seek out the nearest coding event and to jump in during ‘Hour of Code’ week.”

In one of the largest global education initiatives ever undertaken, the Hour of Code programme has reached almost 150 million students worldwide. This year’s event is hoping to break the 200 million mark, introducing computer programming skills to young people in over 180 countries around the world.